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Visiting Rose Island Lighthouse

Our last post revealed some of the best spots to watch sunsets in Newport, Rhode Island. One of the top places listed was the famous Rose Island Lighthouse located right in Narragansett Bay, along the span of the Newport Bridge.

The historic working lighthouse, built in 1869, sits on an 18-acre island off of the Newport coast, and is easily accessible via the Newport-Jamestown Ferry. Guests may also visit Rose Island by their own boat if they choose.

Guests can enjoy the grounds around the lighthouse itself, walk the beaches below, and tour the historic lighthouse. From July to Labor Day, the lighthouse museum is open to the public between the hours of 10:00am-4:00pm. Visitors are welcome to bring their own refreshments and enjoy a picnic at one of the many picnic tables.

Rose Island and the Lighthouse History

Rose Island has had an important history on Narragansett Bay due to its strategic location at the entrance to the Newport Harbor. At the time of the American Revolution, both colonial and British troops occupied the island, at different times, to defend Newport. During the First and Second World Wars, Rose Island was occupied by the US Navy and was used to store torpedoes, manufactured at the Newport torpedo factory on nearby Goat Island, safely away from the mainland.

The wood-framed Rose Island Lighthouse was constructed in 1869 atop the remains of the 18th century Fort Hamilton’s south gun battery, and was activated in January, 1870. Because of its proximity to Newport, Rose Island was more accessible than many other lighthouse stations of its time. Lighthouse keepers on duty there, still had to deal with extreme weather, creative provisioning, and isolation at times.

When the Newport Bridge opened in 1969, the Rose Island Lighthouse became obsolete and in 1971 Rose Island was deactivated. For a period of time during the 1970’s the lighthouse and Rose Island were under the stewardship of the University of Rhode Island and used for marine research. Ultimately, however, the school was unable to maintain the facilities, and the badly vandalized lighthouse was returned to the federal government. In 1984, when the lighthouse was declared surplus property, the city of Newport took it over.

After several failed attempts by private investors to develop Rose Island as an island resort during the 1980’s, a local group was formed to protect and preserve the lighthouse and the history of Rose Island. The Rose Island Lighthouse Foundation, with support from both public and private funding, completely restored the lighthouse and in 1992 the lighthouse was opened to the public. In 1993 the landmark lighthouse was finally relit, becoming one of the only few operating lighthouses maintained solely by dedicated and passionate volunteers.

Lighthouse Tours

Throughout the summer season, guests are welcome to take a guided tour throughout the lighthouse grounds. The lighthouse museum allows guests to step into each fully restored room that looks and feels as if the keepers still live there.

Admission for the lighthouse tour is $5 for adults and $4 for children ages of 6-12 and seniors 65 and older. Admission is free for Rose Island Lighthouse Foundation members or children under the age of five.

The lighthouse does offer educational programs, overnight or weekend stays, and group tours for those interested.

Traveling to the Lighthouse

The best way to travel to the Rose Island Lighthouse is by the Newport-Jamestown Ferry. For a list of the ferry schedules see the Newport-Jamestown Ferry schedule to the Rose Island Lighthouse. *Tip: If you travel by ferry, you’ll receive a $1 discount upon arrival!

If you own your own boat you’re welcome to tie up at the dock. If you have a small sailing craft, canoes, or kayaks you can land on the beaches near the lighthouse.

Pack Your Bags

It would be a pleasure for us to have you stay at our Inn when visiting the historic and romantic Rose Island Lighthouse. The Cliffside Inn is located only a mile from the Newport-Jamestown Ferry stop.

Make sure to book your stay before the summer ends! We look forward to having you stay with us on your journey to the Rose Island Lighthouse.

Our Favorite Spots to Watch Sunsets in Newport, RI

Home to some of the most scenic and mesmerizing sunsets on the East Coast, Rhode Island is the perfect stop for that summer sunset you’ve been searching for.

Whether you’re at one of Rhode Island’s state parks or lighthouses, or on a cruise along Newport’s waterfront, you are bound to enjoy an unforgettable sunset.

In case you are looking for that perfect sunset photo-op, we’ve put together a list of some of our favorite spots to watch the sunset in Newport:

Brenton Point State Park: Located right where the Narragansett Bay meets the Atlantic, and midway along Ocean Drive, Brenton Point State Park is one of our favorite spots to watch sunsets along the East Coast. Easy parking, plenty of benches and picnic tables, and a large lawn for spreading out a blanket. The park is located on the southwest tip of the island, on the grounds of one of Newport’s former majestic estates. Arrive before sunset and you will see a colorful array of kites, as this is also the best location in Newport for kite flying.

Fort Adams State Park: Fort Adams State Park is another picture-perfect location for enjoying views of the sun setting against the background of the iconic Newport Bridge and Fort Adams itself. If you arrive before sunset, enjoy the Bay Walk, a 2.5 mile walking trail around the perimeter of Fort Adams State Park. The walk features stunning views of Newport Harbor, Newport Bridge, and Narragansett Bay. The parking is free and their are public restrooms for visitors.

Ocean Drive: Not to be missed, and if you enjoyed the drive during the day…make sure you return to take in the beautiful views before and as the sun is setting….soft lighting, long shadows and a sky full of color! Bring your camera or your canvas to capture the lovely coastal scenery.

Rose Island Lighthouse:The lighthouse is perched on an 18-acre island just minutes away from Newport. Set about a mile into the Narragansett Bay, just south of the Newport Bridge, visitors can travel make their way there on the Newport-Jamestown Ferry or on their own boat. From Memorial Day to Labor Day, the Lighthouse Museum is open to the public between the hours of 10:00am and 4:00pm. Guests can walk the grounds, the beaches, and sit on Adirondack Chairs on the lawn below the historic lighthouse while the sun sets.

Castle Hill: When you stay at the Cliffside Inn during the summer, you will undoubtedly here us talk about “The Lawn” at Castle Hill. It is such a lovely venue, they have “branded it”. And guess what, The Lawn at Castle Hill is open to the public, not just guests at the inn, arrive early and relax in on of the Adirondack chairs…get out your camera and enjoy a glass of wine. If you want to stretch your legs for a bit, take the 5 minute walk from the parking lot to the Castle Hill Light House. Visitors are welcome to walk the paths around the lighthouse and enjoy the views of the bay.

Newport Sunset Cruises

Sunset Cruises: Sailing or yachting in Narragansett Bay is one of our favorite ways to enjoy the colors of the setting sun. There are several public sailing opportunities from Newport’s waterfront, on beautiful schooners and classic wooden yachts, that we can arrange for you. The evening sunset cruises are generally about two hours long, and guests enjoy complimentary champagne, a Dark and Stormy or a local brew while watching the sun set over the Narragansett Bay.

Visit Us Soon

As locals, and Newport insiders, we know the best spots that Newport has to offer (including our colorful sunsets). Give us a call, or book on-line, and we will do everything we can to help you get the most out of your Newport vacation.

Our bed and breakfast offers the romantic and classic Newport experience you’ve been searching for. Contact us today to book a room at our Newport Inn, and enjoy the best of Newport.

SVF Foundation Annual Open House

On Saturday June 14th, 2014 from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. the SVF Foundation is hosting its annual open house. This is a rare opportunity to enjoy the beautiful grounds, built by Captain Arthur Curtis James as a Swiss village, and to look behind the scenes at the scientific process known as cryo-preservation to protect heritage species and genetic diversity.

The Cliffside Inn is just a few minutes from the SVF grounds, and is the perfect place to call home for this once-a-year open house weekend.

Parking for the open house is available at Fort Adams State Park and a free trolley ride will provide transportation to the foundation’s grounds from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m..

What Is the SVF Foundation?

The SVF Foundation is a non-profit foundation that focuses on protecting the food supply and genetic diversity by preserving rare and endangered heritage breeds of livestock. Through the process of cryo-preservation, SVF is able to reawaken a breed to its full genetic diversity by collecting 200 embryos and 3,000 straws of semen per breed. The foundation’s library of this frozen genetic material is vital to our world’s food supply.

The foundation’s land, formerly known as, Arthur Curtiss James’ Surprise Valley Farm (or Swiss Village to the locals) was built in 1916 by Arthur Curtiss James. In 2002, a renovation was made to the Swiss Village, and at that time the SVF Foundation began operating from the village grounds.

The doors to the foundation are usually closed to the public, but every June they are opened for one day to share the foundation’s mission, and to educate visitors about endangered breeds and cryo-preservation.

Annual Visitor Day Events

The event is free to the public, and visitors are welcome to enjoy the foundation’s 35-acre property as well as take part in the demonstrations and activities taking place throughout the day.

Here are a few of the activities that will be offered during the open house:

Self guided tour through the historic Swiss Village

Inside look into the SVF’s state-of-the art facilities

Meet and greet with SVF laboratory, veterinary, and animal care staff members

Visit with Chip, a rare Tennessee Myotonic goat

Live cryogenics and sheep shearing demonstrations

Make Your Reservation at Cliffside Today

The summer months are around the corner. With its magnificent beaches and coastline, historic sites, and summer activities, you are sure to find something you’ll enjoy in Newport this summer.

Christmas at the Newport Mansions

‘Tis the season for sparkling lights, the smell of fresh pine and stunning holiday decorations at the Newport Mansions.

Decked from floor to ceiling in holiday cheer, The Breakers, The Elms and The Marble House open their doors for Christmas tours November 23, 2013 through January 5, 2014.

Make sure you don’t miss The Breakers this year — the mansion is showcasing the work of five pastry chefs who have create models of the Newport Mansions out of gingerbread. The Breakers is also featuring over 28 Christmas trees twinkling throughout the mansion’s corridors as well as its iconic 15-foot red poinsettia tree.

Evenings at the Mansions

Make sure you stop by one of the Holiday Evening Events at the mansions. You can enjoy live holiday music and indulge in a holiday beverage as you take in the beautifully lit rooms reminiscent of Newport’s Gilded Age. Scheduled performances include:

November 30 at The Breakers, Voices of Christmas Victorian Carolers

December 7 at The Breakers, Solstice Singers, Voices of Peace

December 14 at The Breakers, NE Tenors

December 21 at The Elms, Voices of Christmas Victorian Carolers

December 21 at Marble House, Barrington Presbyterian Church Music Program

December 28 at The Breakers, New Providence Big Band

And for a romantic celebration, enjoy a special Holiday Dinner Dance in The Breakers Great Hall on December 21st.

The Nutcracker Suite

You can also enjoy the classic holiday tale, The Nutcracker, at Newport’s most adoring mansion, Rosecliff. Catch one of the 14 performances occurring November 29 through December 6.

Holiday Shopping in Newport

Last minute holiday shopping is always easy in Newport. You can shop at all of the specialty shops and galleries along the Newport waterfront while you enjoy all of the Christmas in Newport festivities, and maybe a cup of chowder and a warm fire when you stop for lunch.

Join Us This Holiday Season

Take a break and enjoy the warmth and spirit of this holiday season at the Cliffside Inn while taking part in Newport’s Christmas Celebration at the Newport Mansions.

Popular Stops Along Newport’s Ocean Drive

Fall is the perfect time of year to tour Rhode Island by car, and there’s no better place to take a scenic drive than along Newport’s famous Ocean Drive.

The ten-mile drive is full of recreational treasures, including iconic mansions and estates, public parks, coastal walks and beautiful sunsets. Bring your camera or your canvas with you on Ocean Drive as you will want to capture the lovely coastal scenery to take home as one of the great memories of your Newport visit.

Here is a list of some of the most popular attractions you can visit and see:

The Elms — Owned by Mr. and Mrs. Berwind, this National Historic Landmark is open to the public. Visitors can enjoy the remarkable architectural detail of the mansion, which resembles the mid 18th century French chateau d’Asnieres, located right outside of Paris.

The Breakers — Going right along the drive onto Ochre Point Avenue, there are a number of historical estates that are now formally a part of Salve Regina University. At the end of this stretch you can see Newport’s grandest summer cottages, The Breakers. The Breakers is a grand symbol of the Vanderbilt family and their fortune, and visitors can now visit the mansion along with the stable and carriage house located only half a mile west of the home.

The Marble House and Rosecliff — At the intersection of Ruggles and Bellevue Avenue you will drive right by “the temple to the arts,” the Vanderbilt’s Marble House and the garden retreat of Rosecliff. You may even recognize the Rosecliff from a few major motion pictures, such as “The Great Gatsby,” “True Lies” and “27 Dresses.”

Brenton Point State Park – At the mid-point of Ocean Drive, at the tip of the island, is Brenton State Park, which is the perfect location for a fall-time picnic or to fly a kite while taking in the picture perfect views of the Atlantic and the iconic Castle Hill.

Fort Adams — The historical Fort Adams is located towards the end of Ocean Drive where you will have the best view of Newport Harbor. You can walk around the perimeter of Fort Adams and take in over 180 years of American history.

The Museum of Yachting — After visiting Fort Adams take a walk through the Museum of Yachting and discover the culture and heritage of one of Newport’s most popular attractions.

The ten-mile drive will land you back in downtown Newport where you can enjoy a delicious bite to eat or shop to your heart’s content. Then cap off your night by staying in one of the romantic and elegant rooms at Cliffside Inn.

Full of history and romance, our Victorian Inn is the perfect place to stay while visiting Ocean Drive. Book your stay at Cliffside today so you can experience fall while enjoying the best of Newport.